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“You have a real sense of history and pride,” he said. “When I was installed here in the Cathedral, I was the 39th headteacher since the time of Henry VIII.

“That is something really special and something I am very proud of.”

But he also believes that young people will need more than a sense of history and an excellent set of exam results to succeed in the ever-changing modern world.

Although he is keen to stress he will not be making any immediate changes until he understands the school, the parents and the pupils better, he eventually hopes to change the curriculum to reflect this.

“The jobs market has changed,” he said. “It is more fluid and people are thinking globally. The top companies at the CBI are looking for people who are flexible and adaptable, good team players and excellent communicators, yet too many schools feel that they have to focus on exam results and Ofsted inspections.

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He said as well as achieving academic excellence, the school has a long history of encouraging pupils to follow other interests not readily available in state education

David Morton, the new headteacher at King's School. Photo by Andrew Higgins Photography 30/09/2017

Composers Ivor Gurney and John Stafford Smith, best known for writing the Anacreontic Song, which became the tune for the American national anthem The Star Spangled Banner, attended King’s which has an official programme to identify and develop individual talents and personal qualities.

“Education is changing very rapidly and the Government is encouraging schools to focus on STEM cell subjects, but here at King’s we believe creative subjects are really important as well,” he said.

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Eventually David will be looking to change the curriculum and introduce lessons in computing, coding, personal development, financial management and team working.

But first he wants to build new facilities, starting with a new Astroturf pitch that can also be used by the local community and primary schools.

David Morton, the new headteacher at King's School, with his wife Annie, and their sons, Nicholas, 6 and Joe, 9,

From the family’s new eight-bedroom Georgian home he can see Project Pilgrim unfolding in the grounds of Gloucester Cathedral and he finds the city’s rich heritage fascinating.

But he is also acutely aware that some people who walk past King’s every day feel as if it is a different world to theirs and many children living locally would never dream of crossing the threshold. That’s something he wants to change.

Next week the school will be running rugby master classes for primary pupils in the surrounding area and, amongst other things, he hopes to host art exhibitions for local schools.

David Morton, the new headteacher at King's School. Photo by Andrew Higgins Photography 30/09/2017

Bursaries and scholarships for bright youngsters whose family cannot afford the fees, which range from £7,000 a year in reception to £18,000 for sixth formers, are also important, he says.

“One of the things I want to do that maybe we haven’t done enough of in the past, is publicise the benefits the school brings to the wider community,” he said.

“We are really keen not to be seen as elitist.”

Prior to joining King’s, David was Deputy Head at King Henry VIII School in Coventry and in past positions in the independent sector the Exeter University Geography graduate has previously led educational expeditions to Peru, Tanzania and Ecuador.

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The 580 pupils at the school will no doubt soon see his passion for outdoor education reflected in the schools wide range of extra-curricular activities.

Although he has only been in Gloucestershire for a short time, he and wife Annie have already settled in well at their home, which is said to be one of the city’s finest hidden gems.

Their two sons attend King’s Junior School and the family have already shopped at the Quays, climbed Painswick Beacon, cycled in the Forest of Dean and explored several local towns. Not forgetting of course, enjoying Gloucester Cathedral in all it’s majesty.

And to sum it all up, what are the top three things the new headteacher wants to do at King's?